Solid cleansing composition comprising a choline salt

ABSTRACT

A composition useful for moisturizing skin which comprises 
     (a) a moisturizing effective amount of a compound of the structure:                    
      wherein X is selected from the group consisting of: 
     
       
         CH 2 OH, CH OH CH 2 CO 2 —, 
       
     
      or mixtures thereof wherein when X does not bear a negative charge, the said compound is a salt; and 
      (b) a skin compatible carrier.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Skin moisturization has been a desired skin benefit for many years. Dryskin can be a result of environmental effects such as sunlight, drywinter air, dermatological condition as well as the application ofcleansing materials to the skin such as soap or other harsh detergentswhich remove oils that are naturally present on the surface of the skinthereby resulting in a loss of moisturization.

Often times the active ingredients used for the improvement of hairstructure and skin surface are usually cationic surfactants incombination with various wax-type additives such as, for example,vaseline, fatty acid esters and fatty alcohols. According to WO96/27363, however, hair and skin treatment agents on that basis, though,have satisfactory results only in the treatment of dry and porous hair,or dry and porous skin. This document then states that for the treatmentof hair/skin that quickly replenishes the fat, they are not as wellsuited because when they are used, the natural fat replenishment is evenincreased. The document states the reasons for the strong replenishmentof fat are especially the cationic emulsifiers contained in theseagents. The document states that it was its task to make available ahair and/or skin treatment agent on the basis of conditioning activeingredient which does not have the disadvantages mentioned. Thereafter,the application discloses a cosmetic agent containing water and acombination of:

a. 0.1 to 25% by weight, of at least one choline salt of an inorganicacid or an organic carboxylic acid or a polyacrylic acid homo- orcopolymer, and

b. 0.1 to 10% by weight, of at least one physiologically compatiblealiphatic organic acid.

It is then stated that the agent in accordance with the inventionimproves the ability of the hair to be combed wet, shows goodcompatibility with the scalp, and gives the hair a soft feel and abeautiful shine. It is further stated that the agent in accordance withthe invention shows good compatibility with the skin and the eyes, givesthe skin a well-groomed appearance, and is also biodegradable.

There is no information provided in the document as to the specificaction of the choline salt on skin other than it “gives the skin a wellgroomed appearance”. Example 5 of the document, a shampoo for hair andskin, states that the skin shows a smooth, soft skin surface after use.Example 6, a skin care cream, states that the skin feels smoother andsupple after use. Example 7, an oil in water body lotion, states thatthe composition increases skin moisture and leaves a pleasant feeling.Present in Example 7 with 7 wt % of choline salts are also 10 wt %cetylstearyloctanoate, 5 wt % glycerine, 4 wt % cetylstearylalcohol, 3wt % sorbitan stearate, and 1 wt % dimethyl polysiloxane. These lattermaterials are all well known moisturizing agents.

Nowhere in WO 96/27363 is there a clear definition of what“conditioning” agent means. Conditioning in general means making skinfeel soft and smooth. A conditioning agent does not necessarily bringabout moisturization. Such an agent is generally known as a moisturizingagent. Sometimes these two activities are broadly grouped under thecategory of “conditioning and moisturizing” agent.

We have now discovered that choline salt and related compounds arepowerful moisturizing agents for skin. Even in a rinse off cleansingcomposition such material(s) or mixture thereof brings aboutsubstantially more moisture on the skin. This can be a statisticallysignificant measurable quantity of moisture on the skin.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the invention, there is a cosmetic compositioncomprising

a. a moisturizing effective amount of a compound of the formula

 wherein X is selected from the group consisting of:

CH₂OH, CH OH CH₂ CO₂—,

or mixtures thereof with the proviso that when X does not bear anegative charge, the compound is a salt and (b) a skin compatiblecarrier for the said compound. Such counterion making the salt isderived from an inorganic acid such as hydrochloric, sulfuric,phosphoric and the like or organic acids such as acetic, lactic, citricand the like.

The composition can be used to moisturize the skin. Significantmeasurable increases in moisture can be obtained when the composition isapplied to the skin. The composition can be in the form of a liquid,solid, or gelled cleansing formulation. Such liquids or gels can be invarious cosmetic forms such as lotion, cream and the like. A desirableform is a liquid cleansing composition. The preferred compound is a saltof choline, for example, the chloride salt. When using a salt ofcholine, a physiologically compatible aliphatic organic acid need not bepresent in the composition in the range of about 0.05 to about 15percent by weight of the composition, or even about 0.1 to about 10 wt %of the composition. In fact, such physiologically compatible aliphaticorganic acid need not be present in the composition at all. If aphysiologically compatible aliphatic organic acid is present in thecomposition, it is desirably less than about 0.05 wt % or above about 15wt % of the composition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

The moisturizing compound can be formulated into a variety ofcompositions, liquid, solid and gel-like for delivery of itsmoisturizing benefit. When formulated with a solid, the moisturizingcompound can be present with large or small quantities of soap with theremainder of the surfactant being none, smaller or larger quantities ofanionic surfactant such as synthetic surfactant. When formulated with aliquid or gel composition, the moisturizing compound is formulated withvarious amounts of water depending upon the usage of the composition asa cleansing composition, as well as various surfactants of an anionic,nonionic, cationic, amphoteric type, or mixtures thereof. The liquid orgel formulations, particularly the liquids can be formed as a cream orlotion or free flowing liquid which has cleaning abilities, moisturizingand/or conditioning abilities, or a mixture of the cleansing with themoisturizing and/or conditioning benefits. By conditioning is meantincreasing the smoothness or suppleness of the skin. By moisturizing ismeant the actual increasing of water content of the skin.

Other conditioning and moisturizing agents also can be present in thecompositions of the invention. Typical moisturizing or conditioningmaterials include urea, lactic acid, pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, aminoacids and salts of the acids mentioned.

Occlusive agents are further examples of substances which can be presentin the composition. These are substances which form on the skin thinfilms of limited permeability, serving to hold water within the skin andprevent dehydration. The range of occlusive agents is considerable. Theyare generally hydrophobic oils and waxes. Examples of classes of suchagents and individual examples of such agents are:

1. Hydrocarbon oils and waxes. Examples thereof are mineral oil,petrolatum, paraffin, ceresin, ozokenite, microcrystalline wax.

2. Silicone oils, such as dimethyl polysiloxanes, methylphenylpolysiloxanes, silicone glycol copolymers.

3. Triglyceride esters, for example, vegetable and animal fats and oils.

4. Glyceride esters and esters such as acetylated monoglycerides, andethoxylated monoglycerides.

5. Alkyl and alkenyl esters of fatty acids having 10 to 20 carbon atoms.Examples include hexyl laurate, isohexyl laurate, isohexyl palmitate,isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, decyl oleate, isodecyl oleate,hexadecyl stearate, decyl stearate, isopropyl isostearate, diisopropyladipate, diisohexyl adipate, dihexyl decyl adipate, diisopropylsebacate, lauryl lactate, myristyl lactate, cetyl lactate, oleylmyristate, oleyl stearate and oleyl oleate.

6. Fatty alcohols having 10 to 20 carbon atoms. Lauryl, myristyl, cetyl,hexadecyl, stearyl, isostearyl, hydroxystearyl, oleyl, ricinoleyl,behenyl, erucyl, and 2-octyl dodecanyl alcohols are examples ofsatisfactory fatty alcohols.

7. Lanolin and derivatives. Lanolin, lanolin oil, lanolin wax, lanolinalcohols, lanolin fatty acids, isopropyl lanolate, ethoxylated lanolin,ethoxylated lanolin alcohols, ethoxylated cholesterol, propoxylatedlanolin alcohols, acetylated lanolin, acetylated lanolin alcohols andlanolin alcohols (inoleate are illustrative emollients derived fromlanolin.

8. Natural waxes, esters thereof and ethoxylated natural waxes, beeswax,spermaceti, myristyl myristate, stearyl stearate, polyoxyethylenesorbitol beeswax, carnauba wax and candelilla wax.

Especially desirable are C₂-C₄ alkyl esters of C₁₂-C₁₈ fatty acids, suchas isopropyl myristate, and isopropyl palmitate and petrolatum.

Humectants can also be present in the composition and are especiallyC₂-C₆ polyols notably glycerol, sorbitol, propylene glycol and1,3-butylene glycol. A further example of humectant is polyethyleneglycols having molecular weights of from about 100 to about 1500.Humectants do not themselves form occlusive films but may cooperate withother materials to form a film having occlusive properties. It is,therefore, desirable that humectants are not the sole category of skinemollient agent present.

Examples of surfactant which can be employed in the composition includeanionic, nonionic, amphoteric and cationic.

Any anionic surfactant can be employed. Examples of such anionicsurfactants include soap, a long chain alkyl or alkenyl, branched ornormal carboxylic acid salt such as sodium, potassium, ammonium orsubstituted ammonium salt, can be present in the composition. Exemplaryof long chain alkyl or alkenyl are from about 8 to about 22 carbon atomsin length, specifically about 10 to about 20 carbon atoms in length,more specifically alkyl and most specifically normal, or normal withlittle branching. Small quantities of olefinic bond(s) may be present inthe predominantly alkyl sections, particularly if the source of the“alkyl” group is obtained from a natural product such as tallow, coconutoil and the like. Anionic nonsoap surfactants can be exemplified by thealkali metal salts of organic sulfate having in their molecularstructure an alkyl radical containing from about 8 to about 22 carbonatoms and a sulfonic acid or sulfuric acid ester radical (included inthe term alkyl is the alkyl portion of higher acyl radicals). Preferredare the sodium, ammonium, potassium or triethanolamine alkyl sulfates,especially those obtained by sulfating the higher alcohols (C₈-C₁₈carbon atoms), sodium coconut oil fatty acid monoglyceride sulfates andsulfonates; sodium or potassium salts of sulfuric acid esters of thereaction product of 1 mole of a higher fatty alcohol (e.g., tallow orcoconut oil alcohols) and 1 to 12 moles of ethylene oxide; sodium orpotassium salts of alkyl phenol ethylene oxide ether sulfate with 1 to10 units of ethylene oxide per molecule and in which the alkyl radicalscontain from 8 to 12 carbon atoms, sodium alkyl glyceryl ethersulfonates; the reaction product of fatty acids having from 10 to 22carbon atoms esterified with isethionic acid and neutralized with sodiumhydroxide; water soluble salts of condensation products of fatty acidswith sarcosine; and others known in the art for example taurates,phosphate, and those listed in the Mr. Cutcheon's Encyclopedia ofSurfactants.

Although not necessary other surfactants may be present in thecomposition. Examples of these surfactants include zwitterionicsurfactants can be exemplified by those which can be broadly describedas derivatives of aliphatic quaternary ammonium, phosphonium, andsulfonium compounds, in which the aliphatic radicals can be straightchain or branched and wherein one of the aliphatic substituents containsfrom about 8 to 18 carbon atoms and one contains an anionicwater-solubilizing group, e.g., carboxy, sulfonate, sulfate, phosphate,or phosphonate. A general formula for these compounds is:

wherein R² contains an alkyl, alkenyl, or hydroxy alkyl radical of fromabout 8 to about 18 carbon atoms, from 0 to about 10 ethylene oxidemoieties and from 0 to 10 glyceryl moiety; Y is selected from the groupconsisting of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur atoms; R³ is an alkyl ormonohydroxyalkyl group containing 1 to about 3 carbon atoms; x is 1 whenY is a sulfur atom and 2 when Y is a nitrogen or phosphorus atom, R⁴ isan alkylene or hydroxyalkylene of from 0 to about 4 carbon atoms and Zis a radical selected from the group consisting of carboxylate,sulfonate, sulfate, phosphonate, and phosphate groups.

Examples include:

4-[N,N-di(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-octadecylammonio]-butane-1-carboxylate;

5-[S-3-hydroxypropyl-S-hexadecylsulfonio]-3 hydroxy-pentane-1-sulfate

3-[P,P,P-diethyl-P 3,6,9trioxatetradecyl-phosphonio]-2-hydroxypropane-1-phosphate

3-[N,N-dipropyl-N-3dodecoxy-2-hydroxy-propylammonio]-propane-1-phosphonate

3-(N,N-di- methyl-N-hexadecyl-ammonio) propane-1-sulfonate;3-(N,N-dimethyl-N-hexadecylammonio)-2-hydroxypropane-1-sulfonate

4-(N,N-di(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-(2 hydroxydodecyl)ammonio]-butane-1-carboxylate

3-[S-ethyl-S-(3-dodecoxy-2-hydroxy-propyl)sulfonio]-propane-1-phosphate

3-(P,P-dimethyl-P-dodecylphosphonio)-propane-1-phosphonate; and

5-[N,N-di(3-hydroxypropyl)-N-hexadecyl-ammonio]-2-hydroxy-pentane-1-sulfate.

Examples of amphoteric surfactants which can be used in the compositionsof the present invention are those which can be broadly described asderivatives of aliphatic secondary and tertiary amines in which thealiphatic radical can be straight chain or branched and wherein one ofthe aliphatic substituents contains from about 8 to about 18 carbonatoms and one contains an anionic water solubilizing group, e.g.,carboxy, sulfonate, sulfate, phosphate, or phosphonate. Examples ofcompounds falling within this definition are sodium3-dodecylaminopropionate, sodium 3-dodecylaminopropane sulfonate,N-alkyltaurines, such as the one prepared by reacting dodecylamine withsodium isethionate according to the teaching of U.S. Pat. No. 2,658,072,N-higher alkyl aspartic acids, such as those produced according to theteaching of U.S. Pat. No. 2,438,091, and the products sold under thetrade name “Miranol” and described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,528,378. Otheramphoterics such as betaines are also useful in the present composition.

Examples of betaines useful herein include the high alkyl betaines suchas coco dimethyl carboxymethyl betaine, lauryl dimethyl carboxy-methylbetaine, lauryl dimethyl alpha-carboxyethyl betaine, cetyl dimethylcarboxymethyl betaine, lauryl bis-(2-hydroxyethyl)carboxy methylbetaine, stearyl bis-(2-hydroxypropyl) carboxymethyl betaine, oleyldimethyl gamma-carboxypropyl betaine, lauryl bis-(2-hydro-xypropyl)alpha-carboxyethyl betaine, etc. The sulfobetaines may be represented bycoco dimethyl sulfopropyl betaine, stearyl dimethyl sulfopropyl betaine,amido betaines, amidosulfobetaines, and the like.

Many cationic surfactants are known to the art. By way of example, thefollowing may be mentioned:

stearyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride;

dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride;

nonylbenzylethyldimethyl ammonium nitrate;

tetradecylpyridinium bromide;

laurylpyridinium chloride;

cetylpyridinium chloride

laurylpyridinium chloride;

laurylisoquinolium bromide;

ditallow(hydrogenated)dimethyl ammonium chloride;

dilauryldimethyl ammonium chloride; and

stearalkonium chloride.

Additional cationic surfactants are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.4,303,543. See column 4, lines 58 and column 5, lines 1-42, incorporatedherein by references. Also see CTFA Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary, 4thEdition 1991, pages 509-514 for various long chain alkyl cationicsurfactants; incorporated herein by references.

Nonionic surfactants can be broadly defined as compounds produced by thecondensation of alkylene oxide groups (hydrophilic in nature) with anorganic hydrophobic compound, which may be aliphatic or alkyl aromaticin nature. Examples of preferred classes of nonionic surfactants are:

1. The polyethylene oxide condensates of alkyl phenols, e.g., thecondensation products of alkyl phenols having an alkyl group containingfrom about 6 to 12 carbon atoms in either a straight chain or branchedchain configuration, with ethylene oxide, the said ethylene oxide beingpresent in amounts equal to 10 to 60 moles of ethylene oxide per mole ofalkyl phenol. The alkyl substituent in such compounds may be derivedfrom polymerized propylene, diisobutylene, octane, or nonane, forexample.

2. Those derived from the condensation of ethylene oxide with theproduct resulting from the reaction of propylene oxide and ethylenediamine products which may be varied in composition depending upon thebalance between the hydrophobic and hydrophilic elements which isdesired. For example, compounds containing from about 40% to about 80%polyoxyethylene by weight and having a molecular weight of from about5,000 to about 11,000 resulting from the reaction of ethylene oxidegroups with a hydrophobic base constituted of the reaction product ofethylene diamine and excess propylene oxide, said base having amolecular weight of the order of 2,500 to 3,000, are satisfactory.

3. The condensation product of aliphatic alcohols having from 8 to 18carbon atoms, in either straight chain or branched chain configurationwith ethylene oxide, e.g., a coconut alcohol ethylene oxide condensatehaving from 10 to 30 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of coconutalcohol, the coconut alcohol fraction having from 10 to 14 carbon atoms.Other ethylene oxide condensation products are ethoxylated fatty acidesters of polyhydric alcohols (e.g., Tween 20-polyoxyethylene (20)sorbitan monolaurate).

4. Long chain tertiary amine oxides corresponding to the followinggeneral formula:

R₁R₂R₃N→O

 wherein R₁ contains an alkyl, alkenyl or monohydroxy alkyl radical offrom about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms, from 0 to about 10 ethylene oxidemoieties, and from 0 to 1 glyceryl moiety, and, R₂ and R₃ contain from 1to about 3 carbon atoms and from 0 to about 1 hydroxy group, e.g.,methyl, ethyl, propyl, hydroxy ethyl, or hydroxy propyl radicals. Thearrow in the formula is a conventional representation of a semipolarbond. Examples of amine oxides suitable for use in this inventioninclude dimethyldodecylamine oxide, oleyl-di(2-hydroxyethyl) amineoxide, dimethyloctylamine oxide, dimethyldecylamine oxide,dimethyltetradecylamine oxide, 3,6,9 trioxaheptadecyldiethylamine oxide,di(2-hydroxyethyl)-tetradecylamine oxide, 2-dodecoxyethyl-dimethylamineoxide, 3-dodecoxy-2-hydroxypropyldi(3-hydroxy-propyl)amine oxide,dimethylhexadecylamine oxide.

5. Long chain tertiary phosphine oxides corresponding to the followinggeneral formula:

RR′R″P→O

 wherein R contains an alkyl, alkenyl or monohydroxyalkyl radicalranging from 8 to 20 carbon atoms in chain length, from 0 to about 10ethylene oxide moieties and from 0 to 1 glyceryl moiety and R′ and R″are each alkyl or monohydroxyalkyl groups containing from 1 to 3 carbonatoms. The arrow in the formula is a conventional representation of asemipolar bond.

Examples of suitable phosphine oxides are:

dodecyldimethylphosphine oxide, tetradecylmethylethyl-phosphine oxide,

3,6,9-trioxaoctadecyldimethyl-phosphine oxide, cetyldimethylphosphineoxide,

3-dodecoxy-2-hydroxypropyldi(2-hydroxyethyl) phosphine oxidestearyldimethyl-phosphine oxide,

cetylethyl propylphosphine oxide, oleyldiethylphosphine oxide,

dodecyldiethylphosphine oxide, tetradecyldiethylphosphine oxide,

dodecyldipropylphosphine oxide, dodecyldi(hydroxymethyl)phosphine oxide,

dodecyldi(2-hydroxy-ethyl)phosphine oxide,

tetradecyl-methyl-2-droxypropylphosphine oxide,

oleyldimethylphosphine oxide, and

2-hydroxydodecyldimethylphosphine oxide.

6. Long chain dialkyl sulfoxides containing one short chain alkyl orhydroxy alkyl radical of 1 to about 3 carbon atoms (usually methyl) andone long hydrophobic chain which contain alkyl, alkenyl, hydroxy alkyl,or keto alkyl radicals containing from about 8 to about 20 carbon atoms,from 0 to about 10 ethylene oxide moieties and from 0 to 1 glycerylmoiety. Examples include: octadecyl methyl sulfoxide, 2-ketotridecylmethyl sulfoxide, 3,6,9-trioxaoctadecyl 2-hydroxyethyl sulfoxide,dodecyl methyl sulfoxide, oleyl 3-hydroxypropyl sulfoxide, tetradecylmethyl sulfoxide, 3 methoxytridecylmethyl sulfoxide, 3-hydroxytridecylmethyl sulfoxide, 3-hydroxy-4-dodecoxybutyl methyl sulfoxide.

7. Alkylated polyglycosides include wherein the alkyl group is fromabout 8 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably about 10 to about 18 carbon atomsand the degree of polymerization of the glycoside is from about 1 toabout 3, preferably about 1.3 to about 2.0.

The quantities of the moisturizing compound or mixtures thereof of theinvention which can be employed is any moisturizing effective amount.Generally there is at least about 0.1 wt % of the composition, desirablyat least about 0.5 wt % of the composition, and more desirably at leastabout 1 wt % of the composition as the compound or mixtures thereof ofthe invention. Generally, no more than about 20 wt % of the compositionis the moisturizing agent or mixtures thereof of the invention,desirably no more than about 10 to 15 wt % of the composition. Thedesirability of the quantity is generally the balance between thedesirable qualities of the compound or mixtures versus any undesirableeffects such material(s) might have on the overall composition effects.

Surfactants can be present in a composition wherein cleansing is not agoal but emulsification of any conditioning agent in the composition isdesirable. Generally a minimum of about 0.5 wt % of surfactants can beemployed for emulsification purposes. Therefore, an emulsifying quantityof surfactant can be employed. Surfactants can also be employed in acomposition wherein cleansing is a goal. A cleansing effective amountshould be employed. For cleaning purposes, at least about 1 wt %,desirably at least about 2 or 3 wt % of surfactant is desirable.

Following are examples of the invention. These examples are intended toillustrate the invention rather than limit the invention. Similarresults are expected with all the compounds of the invention other thancholine salt per se. As the results clearly show, a choline salt bringsabout moisturization of skin. These results are at least somewhatrelated to the fact that choline salt is substantive to the skin in arinse off formulation. Typical humectants such as ethylene glycol andglycerine show no substantivity to skin in rinse off formulations.

EXAMPLE 1

The epidermis of full thickness pig skin (Animal Technologies, Tyler,Tex.) was removed using a Packard Instruments dermatome, and the stratumcorneum was removed via trypsin digestion. Pieces of stratum corneumwere then immersed in millipore water, a 5% choline chloride (AldrichChemical, Milwaukee, Wis.), or a 5% glycerin solution. Using a dynamicvapour sorption meter (Surface Measurement Systems, Coopersburg, Pa.),the skin was equilibrated under a 0% relative humidity environment untilthe change in weight varied no more than 0.005% per min. This weight wasrecorded as the dry weight. The relative humidity was then increased to90%. The skin was equilibrated at this humidity until the change inweight varied no more than 0.005% per min. This weight was, likewise,recorded and the % water uptake was calculated. The table below showsthe humectancy power of choline. Based on our results, it is comparableto that of glycerin.

Sample % Water Uptake Water 27 ± 1  5% Choline 89 ± 14 5% Glycerin 75 ±6 

EXAMPLE 2

3 cm×8 cm pig skin (Animal Technologies, Tyler, Tex.) was washed with 1ml of a shower gel (control) or 1 ml of a shower gel containing 5%choline chloride salt. The skin was washed for 2 minutes followed by a15 second rinse. The stratum corneum was then removed via trypsindigestion. Using a dynamic vapour sorption meter (Surface MeasurementSystems, Coopersburg, Pa.), the skin was equilibrated under a 0%relative humidity environment until the change in weight varied no morethan 0.005% per min. This weight was recorded as the dry weight. Therelative humidity was then increased to 90%. The skin was equilibratedat this humidity until the change in weight varied no more than 0.005%per min. This weight was, likewise, recorded and the % water uptake wascalculated. The table below shows the results (% water uptake) of pigskin treated with shower gel and shower gel plus 5% choline.

Sample % Water Uptake Shower Gel 25 ± 1 Shower Gel + 5% Choline 34 ± 4

EXAMPLE 3

The radiolabelling experiment described in this example was carried outto quantify the amount of choline that could adhere to the skinfollowing a water rinse. Full thickness Yucatan swine skin (CharlesRiver, Inc., Wilmington, Mass.) was mounted (dermis side down) onto aspecial sample holder, the dimensions of which were previously describedin U.S. Pat. No. 4,836,014. This sample holder exposed approximately4.91 cm² of the skin. A 1 ml aliquot of (³H₃C)-choline (AmericanRadiolabel Chemicals, Inc., St. Louis, Mo.) containing shower gel wasnext applied to the surface of the exposed skin. This shower gel wasprepared by adding 100 mg of choline chloride (Aldrich Chemical,Milwaukee, Wis.) and 2 μCi of ³H-choline to 20 ml of a 25% shower gelsolution (i.e., 25 grams of shower gel diluted into 75 grams ofdistilled water). After five minutes had elapsed, the shower gel wasremoved, and the surface of the skin was rinsed with 10 ml of distilledwater. A second 1 ml aliquot of the (³H₃C)-choline containing shower gelwas then reapplied to the skin. Again, after a 5 minute exposure time,the shower gel was removed and the skin rinsed with 10 ml of distilledwater. The skin sample was then removed from its sample holder andair-dried for 10 minutes. Four 4 mm diameter punches were collected fromeach piece of treated skin, oxidized in a Packard oxidizer, and countedin a Packard 2000 Tri-carb liquid scintillation analyzer (PackardInstruments Inc., Downers Grove, Ill.). To obtain the specific activity,0.1 ml of the (³H3C)-choline containing shower gel was counted in thePackard 2000 analyzer. Based on the results, the amount of cholineremaining on the skin following a water rinse was 33 μg/cm².

EXAMPLE 4

A shower gel composition containing choline chloride useful in themethod of this invention is prepared as below, starting with water andadding each component thereafter in the order given, each additionaccompanied by stirring to obtain compatibility.

Shower Gel Composition Ingredient % Water 43.96 Glycerin (99.5%) 0.40Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (28%) 40.00 Cocoamidopropyl Betaine (30%) 5.00Polyquaternium-7 (8%) 1.50 Tetrasodium EDTA (39%) 0.13 CoconutDiethanolamide (100%) 1.00 Choline Chloride 5.00 Fragrance 0.651,2-Dibromo-2,4-dicyanobutane-10% 0.30 in Dipropylene Glycol GlycolDistearate & Laureth-4 & 2.00 Cocamidopropyl Betaine (45%) Citricacid-anhydrous 0.06

Following are examples of a lotion and a cream composition, eachcontaining a choline salt which will provide skin moisturization.

Ingredient % LOTION Water 81.41 Choline Chloride 2.00 Magnesium AluminumSilicate 0.08 Glycerin 2.60 Glyceryl/PEG-100 Stearate 1.60 SodiumCetearyl Sulphate 0.32 Cetearyl Alcohol 0.60 Mineral Oil-Light 4.00Dimethicone 0.80 Petrolatum 1.00 Tocopheryl Acetate 0.50 IsopropylPalmitate 2.60 Carbomer 2984 0.30 Deionized Water 1.00 99%Triethanolamine 0.30 Phenoxyethanol 0.15 Methyldibromo Glutaronitrile0.10 Fragrance 0.30 Polysorbate 60 0.16 Vitamin A Palmitate 0.08 DPanthenol 50-P 0.10 TOTAL 100.00 CREAM Water 77.60 Choline Acetate 4.00Magnesium Aluminum Silicate 0.10 Glycerin 2.00 Glyceryl Stearate/PEG-100Stearate 2.00 Sodium Cetearyl Sulphate 0.32 Isohexadecane 1.50Cetyl-Stearyl Alcohol 50-50 0.75 Mineral Oil-Light 5.00 Dimethicone 1.00Petrolatum 1.25 Tocopheryl Acetate 0.50 Isopropyl Palmitate 2.00Carbomer 2984 0.36 99% Triethanolamine 0.36 Fragrance 0.30Phenoxyethanol 0.15 Methyldibromo Glutaronitrile 0.10 Polysorbate 600.20 Vitamin A Palmitate 0.01 D Panthenol 50-P 0.50 TOTAL 100.00

What is claimed is:
 1. A solid cleansing composition suitable formoisturizing skin which comprises, (a) a moisturizing effective amountof a choline salt or mixture thereof wherein choline is of the formula

 and the counterion is derived from an inorganic acid or an organicacid, (b) a skin compatible carrier, and (c) at least about 3 wt. %soap.
 2. The composition in accordance with claim 1 wherein there isless than about 0.05 wt % or above about 15 wt % of a physiologicallycompatible aliphatic organic acid present in the composition.
 3. Thecomposition in accordance with claim 1 wherein a cleansing effectiveamount of a surfactant or mixture of surfactants is in the composition.4. The composition in accordance with claim 1 wherein the compositionhas a skin conditioning effective amount of an emollient.
 5. Thecomposition in accordance with claim 4 wherein the emollient is selectedfrom the group consisting of a moisturizing agent, an occlusive agentand a humectant.
 6. A process for increasing the moisture level of skinwhich comprises applying the composition of claim 1 to the skin.
 7. Theprocess in accordance with claim 6 wherein there is less than about 0.05wt % or above about 15 wt % of a physiologically compatible aliphaticorganic acid present in the composition.